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Federal investigators are examining whether George Santos placed bets on Kalshi about his own attendance at the State of the Union, with the trades flagged by the market and referred to the DOJ and CFTC. Santos has previously been convicted and pardoned, and his current status is under scrutiny as prediction markets face regulatory pressure.
FIFA has revised stadium rules to allow spectators to bring one sealed, soft-plastic 20-ounce water bottle into all World Cup venues in the US and Canada, with some venues in Mexico still undecided. Hard bottles remain banned, and officials say cooling measures will be provided as needed.
Bill Gates has appeared for a closed-door transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee about his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates has said he never witnessed criminal conduct, denied visiting Epstein-owned properties and called meeting Epstein a "grave error in judgment." The committee is probing Justice Department handling and released files.
FIFA’s dynamic pricing has driven ticket costs high for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Reports show many seats remain unsold or are being offered at steep discounts on resale sites, while organizers defend the pricing as market-driven and necessary to meet demand. With several matches not sold out, fans face four-figure prices even for lower-category seats.
The LA County DA has charged Carlos Mencia with 12 counts for failing to report personal and corporate taxes from 2019 to 2024, alleging more than $8.7 million in income and over $300,000 in unpaid taxes. Bail was reduced to $50,000 pending further proceedings; a first court appearance is scheduled.
The Reflecting Pool renovation has been plagued by an algae bloom and peeling coating after initial completion, with officials citing vandals, while investigations highlight contracting questions and security measures as the 250th anniversary approaches.
NPR has retracted a report that Justice Samuel Alito was retiring after Nina Totenberg misheard a court announcement. The piece was removed and an on‑air correction was issued; NPR executives have apologised and pledged to review newsroom processes.
WeWard has launched Walking Mode, a feature that locks social apps until users meet a walking goal. The feature aims to promote activity and reduce screen time. Venus Williams funds the project, with the app reporting 30 million users in 29 countries and a 25% increase in walking time on average.
A wave of AI-enabled glasses is drawing scrutiny over privacy, safety, and consent. While some models promise hands-free navigation and accessibility, critics warn of covert recording, harassment, and data misuse. The debate spans tech giants Meta, Ray-Ban, Oakley, retailers, regulators, and users.
Publishers allege Google copied millions of books to train Gemini without permission, seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The case adds to a wave of copyright litigation surrounding AI training and prompts scrutiny of fair use defenses amid industry-wide tensions.